DISTURBING NEWS - When they heard of the birth of the Savior, some were overwhelmed with joy. They knew that this was a moment to celebrate. King Herod was deeply "troubled." He was so upset that his emotions were felt throughout the entire city. Everyone knew that the king was unhappy, and his reaction fostered unrest.

Disturbing News

"When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." Matthew 2:3 NKJV

When they heard of the birth of the Savior, some were overwhelmed with joy. They knew that this was a moment to celebrate.

God's promised Messiah had come. The ancient prophecies had been fulfilled.

Some realized that this was a transforming moment, that God was asserting His sovereignty into the affairs of men, providing hope.

But some were disturbed by this news.

In fact, King Herod was deeply "troubled." He was so upset that his emotions were felt throughout the entire city. Everyone knew that the king was unhappy, and his reaction fostered unrest.

The idea of a new king renewed his concerns about rivalry to the throne.

In his rise to prominence, Herod ruthlessly had eliminated rivals and cultivated his own position.

But the news about a new king represented a threat to his power and potentially disrupted his plans. It was a challenge to his worldview, and shook up his assumptions.

Today, men and women throughout the world still have the opportunity, in their lives, to determine how they will react to Jesus.

Many think of Him as just a child in the manger, the picture of innocence and purity. Others think of Him as a man who would become a wise teacher.

But some realize the full implication of His appearance.

That He came to be the Messiah who calls us to follow wherever He leads - to lay aside our own plans, and stop seeking our own kingdom - to let Him be the Lord of our lives.

Herod might have sensed that dramatic changes were taking place, and He found the prospect disturbing. He wanted to remain king, of his nation, and his own life.

How do you react to Jesus?

Don't try to make Him fit into your plans or world view. Humble yourself before Him.

Surrender to Him.

Make Him your Lord.

Worship Him.

Today's Inspiring Prayer

“Father, thank You for sending Jesus into this world. I bow before Him. I make Him my Lord. Help me spread the Good News! In Jesus' name. Amen.”

Would you want God to change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and have eternal life.

Say the following prayer:

“Father God, I confess I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You.

I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and live a new life pleasing to You.

Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again.

I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.

I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Thank You that according to Your Word, I am now born again.

Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. I promise to study Your Word – the Bible.

Use me for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.”

Inspiration Ministries <emailus@inspiration.org>